The decision to restrict access to the emblematic Santa Maria church, in Balaguer, and to Plaça Cecília de Comentes, has been made after new detachments were detected on the temple's facade. This situation has been accentuated by the intense rains that have recently fallen in the area. Already in January, the fall of a gargoyle forced the removal of unstable elements, putting the authorities on alert.
“"The structure is not at risk, but safety must be prioritized."
Although the mayor of Balaguer, Lorena González, has assured that the main structure of the church does not pose risks, the priority is to guarantee the safety of citizens. For this reason, both the Paeria and the Diocese of Urgell are working together on the preparation of a technical project to evaluate the extent of the damage and define the necessary actions for its repair.
Currently, the possibility of partially reopening the sacristy area is being studied, while the main facade will require more complex and long-term interventions. The closure not only affects the church but also restricts access to the wall and the Portal del Gel tower, thus limiting visits to the city's monumental complex.
